BE INSPIRED | Couples Session featuring Justyn Lord

Tell us a bit about your approach to the work you do, your time in the business and a few personal facts about you.

I just want to tell the story as best I can. My photography style is generally moody, enhancing shadows and emotions. I’ve been slowly “perfecting” this process for over four years now and I can honestly say that after some trial and error, I have found that the core of my session experience best lies with people in love – couples, newborn babies, mamas-to-be, and those willing to bare their soul to my camera. I prefer the “lifestyle” approach and encourage interactions so that real emotions are captured. I am momma to two beautiful humans – who will forever be my biggest muses- and two more fur babies. Wife to a handsome bearded man. And forever searching for my next big adventure.

What makes you the most nervous during a session?

Working with new clients makes me nervous. I never know how they will respond to my prompts or if they will think I’m some lunatic hiding behind bushes and still shooting. Finding conversation topics without telling my life story, or making sure that I read their sense of humor correctly and don’t offend them. And then ultimately, being able to deliver the images they envisioned when booking with me.

What about this session was most memorable?

When Meg first contacted me, she said – “It’s our five year wedding anniversary next month and I’d really love some new photos.” All of her inspiration images were in the desert, which was tricky because we live in the North Carolina country, far from any desert – luckily I knew of a field that I thought would fit her bohemian vibe. She had styled the most beautiful outfits, florals and funky denim jacket included. And then her husband brought out his guitar and strummed a song. The whole session was just romantic and fun!

Were there any hurdles?

Due to their work schedules, Meg requested we shoot a little earlier than when I normally would – causing the first half of the session in mostly full sun in a wide open field… Completely out of my comfort zone, but man do I love the way the images came out.

Your best photographer/session advice?

Create something for you. Daily, weekly, monthly – it doesn’t matter. Yes, you are a photographer but above all you are an artist. Make sure that you are still creating photographs for you. It’s an important piece to keeping your creative soul alive. We as artists get so wrapped up in the comparison game, don’t let that happen! This is your art – there is a piece of you attached to it. It’s ok to be hesitant putting it out there into the universe and saying I made this!

What is one goal for your business ?

Recently, with my children growing older and having social lives of their own, I’ve really started focusing on education. I’ve started teaching some of my clients how to use their cameras and even mentoring other photographers. As much as I love capturing beautiful moments, over the next few years I hope to step back from booking as many sessions and instead teaching more.

What gear was used to achieve these? / Any presets used or hand editing?

Canon EOS R and Canon 35MM

I’ve spent the last year developing my own presets, those were used here – along with some hand editing.

ABOUT THE ARTIST :

Owner of J.P. Lord Photography, Justyn has a background in Marketing and Event planning. Now an Award Winning and Internationally published photographer, she is self-taught – shoots primarily using only natural light, and resides just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She has been featured in multiple publications for her wedding photography and most recently shot a five page spread for Weddings LookBook Magazine